Police uncover new leads in 15-year-old Coast mystery

POLICE have uncovered new information in relation to the 15-year mystery disappearance of two women and the murder of a schoolgirl in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Coast detectives reopened the cold case in July last year, appealing for information into the disappearance of English backpacker Celena Bridge, 28, in 1998 and Ann Glassop, 46, the following year.

There is hope the information will lead detectives to the location of murdered 15-year-old Nambour schoolgirl Jessica Gaudie, whose remains have never been found.

Sunshine Coast Criminal Investigation Branch officer in charge Daren Edwards said officers had been speaking to people from North Queensland, who had links to Derek Bellington Sam, the convicted murderer of Jessica Gaudie.

"It is still a priority for us to get some disclosures by Sam as to the whereabouts of Gaudie's remains," Detective Senior Sergeant Edwards said.

"Some people have been able to provide police with some new information, which will assist us with these inquiries."

Ms Bridge was last seen near Booloumba Creek Rd in Kenilworth on Thursday, July 16, 1998, and Ms Glassop was last seen at her home on the corner of Booloumba Creek Rd and Maleny-Kenilworth Rd on Friday, May 28, 1999.

Miss Gaudie went missing just three months later on August 28, 1999, from Burnside.

Det Snr Sgt Edwards said police would be talking to witnesses who may have further information to add to their statements.

"We have had some people yet to come forward with information," he said.

"We will be revisiting the site where Celena Bridge was last sighted and reviewing all the people living and camping in the area at the time."